Chapter 3

When I came to Mrs. Pone’s classroom, I quickly apologized for being late and told her quietly I had to introduce the two new students around the school.

“Oh, so is he one of them?” she asked with a wide grin.

I nodded. “You guys had the same class but didn’t come together?”

“Well, I think he just came a bit more early.” I replied with a nervous face, hoping she’ll understand if I looked innocent.

“Alright, you two may be seated.” Mrs. Pone smiled. Yes!

I sat at the back, since we didn’t have assigned seats, of course. “Alright everyone, so as I was saying, in my Social Studies class, we’re gonna be learning about various things, and this year, about ancient history and times when the first civilizations were created. After this year, you’d have to wait a few more years to know more about ancient history, so be excited!! In our first unit, we’ll learn about the very first civilization, Mesopotamia…”

I couldn’t listen any further. Instead, I looked around the classroom to see the students I will be with probably everyday. Sharon from last year, Shun, the smartest guy in the whole school, Akari, who’s in art portfolio and has a bunch of sketches on her arm, and of course, that new kid, Akuneme. I’m just guessing from the outside looks of him, but he’s definitely interested in a lot of sports. He looks back at me. I instantly look away. Why is he doing that? I’m just investigating others' interests, that’s all.

When the bell rang for second period, I was about to race out of the room, because I had somewhere else to go, but Mrs. Pone stopped me. And Akuneme, too. “No, no, you guys aren’t going anywhere,” she said. Huh?

“What?” Akuneme asked, his impatience spreading out in angry waves.

“This year, I wanted to try something different,” she started. I blinked confusingly.

“The first person to come late to my class on the first day of school has to stay for an extra five minutes here, with me!” My face instantly turned from confused to not even okay.

“Okay, I’m not the first person, he was, so I can go, right?” I asked, pointing at him.

“HEY! That’s not fair at all! She should be here, too! Being more late is worse, right?”

Mrs. Pone touched her chin, probably trying to decide what to do.

“Okay, then both of you.” I breathe in, trying to hide everything I felt.Why did my S.S class have to be first period???

“Starting tomorrow?” I pleaded.

Mrs. Pone looked into my eyes. I looked into hers. Very intensely.

She laughed. “Alright, alright. Both of you guys, starting tomorrow, have to stay for an extra five minutes.”

“How long is this gonna last?” I blurted in, not even giving Akuneme a chance to speak when he was about to.

“Hmm, this week only. But the next time you guys are late-”

The second bell. Oh shoot. I had no choice but to flee, because I knew where I was supposed to be. I had to go to my locker, too.

“Sorry, Mrs. Pone! I’ll listen to everything tomorrow!” I call on my way out.

I went to my locker and sprinted like lightning for the stairs.